Drumstick (Moringa)

Tamil Name: Murungakkai; Scientific Name: Moringa oleifera;

Intermediate Level

G T

Planting/Sowing

Jun – Jul; Nov – Dec;

Harvesting

Dec – Jan; May – Jun (following year);

First Harvest

~180 Days

General Info

Crop category	Vegetable
Life span	Perennial
Type of crop	Tree
Part(s) of the crop to harvest	Pod, Leaves
Avg. Height	12-15 m

Climate & Humidity

Moringa thrives in tropical and semi-tropical conditions.

Planting / Sowing

When to plant / sow seeds (ideal season):
Jun – Jul; Nov – Dec;

How to plant:
Direct Sowing: Two seeds are sown 3 cm deep in each pit in the centre of a container / on the ground. Seeds typically germinate 7-9 days after sowing.

Moringa may also be grown from cuttings. Branches of an existing tree are cut and then placed in the ground. The size of the branches should be around 1m long, and 4cm in diameter. Water regularly till it takes root.

Soil Depth & Spacing Requirements

Pits of 3cm deep dug at 2.5 m x 2.5 m.

NOTE: Please go through the Guides in the Knowledge Base for more details on topics ranging from Spacing & Lighting to Soil and Nutrients.

Irrigation

Moringa is a drought resistant tree and does not require much watering. During dry months, water regularly for the first few months and then only when required, based on plant condition.

NOTE: Irrigation should depend on how moist / wet the soil is. Check your plants everyday to see if they require irrigation or not. Check the Watering & Irrigation guide for more info.

Pruning

Pruning must be done when the plant is 10 to 12 m long and can take place on a regular basis following harvest.

The tree may also be cut back annually to 1 to 2 meters and regrown in order to keep fruits and leaves within arm’s reach.

NOTE: See the Pruning guide for general info.

Harvesting

When to harvest
Starts bearing fruits from the 6th month onwards.

How to harvest
Harvest when pods are young and snap easily (about 1 cm in diameter). Harvest the pods before they split and the seeds fall to the ground.

NOTE: Harvest periods can vary depending on the environmental, climatic, soil conditions.

Pests & Diseases

Pests	Mites, hairy caterpillars, leaf miners, termites
Common Diseases/ Problems	Diplodia root rot
Pest and Disease prevention measure(s)	Mulching with castor oil leaves / ash;

NOTE: Read Pests & Diseases for more information.

Did you know?

Nearly all parts of the Moringa tree are edible and have medicinal uses. The leaves, immature seed pods, mature seeds, oil, flowers and even roots all may be eaten. Moringa is being touted as ‘the superfood of superfoods’ because of its nutritional and antioxidant properties. Moringa seedcakes are also an important water purifier and are used as a non-toxic, sustainable water purifying agent.